Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Supreme Court convened on Tuesday to address the appeal lodged by Plateau State’s incumbent Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This appeal contested the nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal, which declared Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the elected governor.
Truth Live News gathered that the basis for this decision was Mutfwang’s alleged invalid sponsorship by the PDP, as the party had purportedly disobeyed a court order mandating a repeat congress in all local government areas.
Chaired by Justice John Okoro, a five-member panel delved into critical questions regarding the tribunal and lower court’s jurisdiction in matters related to nomination, sponsorship, and candidate qualification. The court emphasized that such issues are internal party affairs and not within the purview of the tribunal or court. Despite three petitions from different parties, the court decided to focus on the governor’s case, with any decision applying to the others.
The legal representatives, led by notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria, included Chief Kanu Agabi for the governor, Emeka Etiaba for the PDP, S. Atung for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Prof. Olatoke defending Nentawe Yilwatda of the APC. The court critiqued the election petition tribunal and Plateau State High Court for overstepping their competence in Kaze’s case.
Clarifying that the nomination and sponsorship of candidates are exclusively the national working committee’s prerogative, as per section 87 of the Electoral Act, the court reserved judgment. A communication on the judgment date is expected, with a deadline set before January 16, 2024, when the appeal expires.